UNESCO Memory Register Adds Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Rajatarangini
The literary and intellectual legacy of India has got international acclaim after the texts of the Mahabharata, Arthashastra by Kautilya, and Rajatarangini by Kalhana have been included into the Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register of UNESCO. This decision was announced on November 5, 2026, after the 11th meeting of the regional committee in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This decision acknowledges three very significant texts which showcase the Indian tradition of history-writing, philosophy, governance, and literature. With these three additions, the total number of inscriptions from India in the Asia-Pacific Regional Register becomes six.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a crucial role in compiling nomination documents for all these three texts.
Why Were These Three Works Recognised?
Each manuscript represents a different aspect of India’s historical and intellectual development.
1. Mahabharata: An Epic of Philosophy and Human Values
It is one of the longest epics on earth and plays an important role in South Asian literature traditions. Apart from telling a tale of a war fought by the Pandavas and Kauravas, the Mahabharata delves into issues of dharma, karma, righteousness, leadership, and human relations.
The acknowledged birch bark manuscript is entitled ‘The Birch-bark (burjapatra) Manuscript of Mahabharata – A Perennial Epic of South Asia’.
2. Arthashastra: Ancient Indian Knowledge of Governance
Generally regarded as the work of Kautilya, or Chanakya, the Arthashastra is an important Sanskrit work dealing with statecraft and government.
Amongst other topics, it covers governance, tax collection, economic management, diplomacy, intelligence and warfare. The authenticated palm-leaf manuscript can be found at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysuru.
This work continues to be an invaluable resource for scholars studying the political economy of ancient India.
3. Rajatarangini: A Historical Record of Kashmir
Rajatarangini was written by the 12th century Kashmiri scholar Kalhana and describes the history of Kashmir through the stories of kings and rulers.
This chronicle was written in Sanskrit and is appreciated for its historical perspective and chronology of events. The recognized manuscript of Rajatarangini is available in the Oriental Research Library, Srinagar.
What Is UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme?
In 1992, the UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme to safeguard documentary heritage and enhance the accessibility of important documents.
The programme functions by establishing international, regional and national registries. The Asia-Pacific Regional Registry acknowledges documentary material that is historically and culturally important for the region.
India has succeeded in getting its regional acknowledgment for the illustrated Ramcharitmanas, a 15th-century Panchatantra manuscript, and the Sanskrit document called Sahṛdayāloka-Locana.
India’s Documentary Heritage Gains Wider Recognition
The new inscription serves as an affirmation of India’s involvement in global endeavors towards the conservation of rare manuscripts and historic documents. Moreover, it reflects on the significance of libraries, research organizations, and cultural organizations in safeguarding the documentary heritage.
This is no ordinary inscription but an appreciation of the contribution of these three ancient texts in terms of history, literature, philosophy, and politics.
Through these new inscriptions, India is able to make its presence felt in UNESCO’s regional documentary heritage project.
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